BULGE Synonyms: 189 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'bulge' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of bulge are projection , protrusion , and protuberance . While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure. // bulges in the tile floor

Q: When is 'projection' a more appropriate choice than 'bulge'?

The synonyms projection and bulge are sometimes interchangeable, but projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle. // those projections along the wall are safety hazards

Q: Where would 'protrusion' be a reasonable alternative to 'bulge'?

While in some cases nearly identical to bulge , protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity. // the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

Q: When would 'protuberance' be a good substitute for 'bulge'?

The meanings of protuberance and bulge largely overlap; however, protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form. // a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

bulge 1 of 2

noun

Definition of bulge next

as in protrusion

a part that sticks out from the general mass of something several bulges in the old vinyl flooring in the dingy bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in advantage

the more favorable condition or position in a competition she got the bulge on him in the race for the statehouse

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bulge

2 of 2

verb

ˈbəlj

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point the sides of the returning camper's suitcase bulged with a month's worth of dirty laundry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to burst

to be copiously supplied this guidebook to San Francisco positively bulges with useful information

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word bulge different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of bulge are projection, protrusion, and protuberance. While all these words mean "an extension beyond the normal line or surface," bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

When is projection a more appropriate choice than bulge?

The synonyms projection and bulge are sometimes interchangeable, but projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

Where would protrusion be a reasonable alternative to bulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to bulge, protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

When would protuberance be a good substitute for bulge?

The meanings of protuberance and bulge largely overlap; however, protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of bulge

Noun

Remember the good old days, starting with those overnight bulges in bank accounts in 2020? —

Greg Petro, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 Fallon also makes a saucy joke about the bulge in his workout shorts ,as he's seen pulling out a dove that flies away. —

Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Verb

Extensive records of the restoration, filling two bulging binders, are included in the auction lot, along with all those concours trophies, the original driver’s manuals, and an original Miura tool kit. —

Howard Walker, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025 According to reports, The Dallas Mavericks (20-15) will be without guard Kyrie Irving for one to two weeks as the star point guard recovers from a bulging disk in his back. —

Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bulge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulge

Noun

The animals are identified by two protrusions on their lower jaw that appear like upside-down vampire fangs.

— Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
The downy also can peck at galls or protrusions on goldenrod plants where insect eggs are lurking.

— Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025